Batiwakkal Museum, located in Berau Regency, has once again become an important focus in the development agenda of the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Geopark. The presence of this museum is seen as crucial in strengthening the cultural heritage aspect, which is a key requirement for the area's recognition by UNESCO.
On Friday (10/7/2026), the assessment team conducted a field visit to the Batiwakkal Museum to directly observe various historical collections that record the journey of the Gunung Tabur Sultanate. The Head of the Batiwakkal Museum, Aji Suhaidi, personally accompanied the delegation and provided an in-depth presentation on the historical values stored behind these artifacts.
Historically, the current museum building is a reconstruction of the Gunung Tabur Sultanate Palace (Keraton), which was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1945. Recovery efforts were carried out by the government by rebuilding the structure in 1990, before it was officially inaugurated as a museum on September 16, 1992.
The integration of the Batiwakkal Museum into the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Geopark ecosystem is believed to bring a new dimension to local tourism. In addition to the existing geological wealth and biodiversity, the presence of a strong cultural element will give this geopark area a more comprehensive educational value, historical appeal, and global competitiveness.
